Sachiko Furlan

Furlan

Sachiko Furlan

Sachiko Furlan, beloved "Sachiko-sensei" to many of her friends and colleagues in the flower world, passed away peacefully at home this week on April 11, 2023.



She will be missed every hour of every day by her family and friends. She is survived by her daughters: Deborah Furlan (David Kane) and Michele Boutwell (Bart) and her granddaughters: Louisa Kane and Sophie Boutwell. She was the widow of her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Allen Furlan.



Although a true "homebody," Sachiko's friendships extended across the globe through strong ties in Ikebana, a form of Japanese flower arrangement revered for its close ties to the spiritual core of Japanese culture. Sachiko, an honored teacher of the Sogetsu school, was delighted and grateful to know so many wonderful people through her art. She was a true friend to many: an open heart, a happy spirit, a generous colleague.



Sachiko met and married LT. Allen Furlan, USN in Japan. She emigrated with her new family in 1960, ultimately settling in the Washington, DC area. Building their family home in the woods of Anne Arundel County, Maryland they lived many happy years cultivating friendships, family ties, and of course flowers. Their home was filled with love, good food, and rescued animals. After Allen's passing in 2018, Sachiko was kept busy with her growing granddaughters, many critters, the beauty of the natural world, and of course her beloved students and colleagues in flowers.



We cannot express our appreciation enough for the outpouring of love which has brought into high relief the magnitude of Sachiko's life accomplishment: friendship, loyalty, honor, and a deep love of life and beauty. Our love and appreciation to Sachiko's treasured friendships at the Embassy of Japan including past and present Ambassadors, Ministers, their spouses, and diplomats most especially our dear Kiyomi Buker and Minister Koichi Ai. Special thanks to our wonderful caring friends: Debbie Booze, Janie Harley, Jill Breen, and Dana Pedersen.



A private memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation in Sachiko's memory to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Anne Arundel County (AACSPCA).